Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much payload can the zeroG® arm support?
  2. What applications can zeroG® arms support?
  3. Where do you mount (install) the arm?
  4. What is required for maintenance?
  5. Are there any safety or environmental issues to be concerned about with the arm?
  6. What is the process for replacement parts? How fast can we get replacement parts?
  7. What is the expected lifetime of the zeroG® system?
  8. What is the zeroG® warranty?
  9. How do I adjust zeroG®?
  10. If zeroG® moves so easily, how do I make sure it doesn’t drift when not being used?
  11. Can I mount zeroG® to a man lift?
  12. How do I manage the cabling required to run the tool at the end of the zeroG® arm?
  13. What is involved with zeroG® installation?
  14. Does zeroG® require training to operate?
  15. Can I use zeroG® to lift items other than tools (i.e. material handling)?
  16. Can I use zeroG® as a torque arm?
  17. Can I use zeroG® with a chipping hammer?
  18. Can I use zeroG® with a paint gun or welder?
  19. Can I test a zeroG® for a trial period?
  20. What information do you need to give me a quote?

 

 

How much payload can the zeroG® arm support?

Weight capacity can range anywhere from 0 to 32+ lbs (14+ kg) using standard product components. Current zeroG®4 models support 10 to 32 lbs (4.54 kg to 14+ kg) of payload.  zeroG®2 (coming Spring 2009) provides for total payloads up to approximately 10 lbs. (4.54 kg);  zeroG® arms can potentially support weight requirements a high as 60-70 lbs. (22.7 – 27.2 kg) with system modifications.

What applications can zeroG® arms support?

A cornerstone of this technology is its use of innovative gimbal designs that allow zeroG® to hold and manipulate virtually any tool or component. Equipois has successfully used zeroG® technology to hold and manipulate sanders, grinders, drills, impact wrenches, torque guns, nut runners, rivet squeezers, crimping tools and pulse guns, among other tools. We have also used the arm to support component parts where a part is being brought to a tool such as a belt sander. 

Where do you mount (install) the arm?

The zeroG® system is designed with a versatile mounting block that can readily attach to virtually any location. Bolt holes are included on both sides of each block at standard widths; a 1.125” hole is also included for pole mounting. This configuration allows the zeroG® system to be mounted to tool carts, bench tops and table tops, linear slides, overhead rails, mobile stands and virtually any other structure that has sufficient weight and stability to support the movement of the arm and payload at full extension.

What is required for maintenance?

Very little maintenance is required for zeroG® systems aside from regular cleaning and occasional lubrication. A complete maintenance schedule is available upon request. zeroG®’s robust design allows for operation in even the most challenging industrial environments. Optional covers are also available for dirty, abrasive or corrosive environments.

Are there any safety or environmental issues to be concerned about with the arm?

The zeroG® system has attained CE Certification after undergoing rigorous testing relative to safety and industrial use. Potential pinch points are clearly marked and can be shielded using available covers, which also serve to protect the arm from dirty, abrasive and even caustic environments.

What is the process for replacement parts? How fast can we get replacement parts?

In the event they are needed, replacement parts for zeroG® arms are readily available and in stock at the factory and with select distributors. Equipois also maintains complete replacement arms in stock in the rare event of a system failure. 

What is the expected lifetime of the zeroG® system?

System life is dependent on a number of factors, including duty cycle, range of motion required, and payload.  zeroG® Labs has successfully tested the performance of the zeroG® for millions of cycles with rated payloads through full range of motion.  Equipois can provide service intervals and replacement kits for high cycle applications. 

What is the zeroG® warranty?

The standard zeroG® arm system comes with a warranty of 12 months from date of installation or 18 months from shipment, whichever occurs first.  Extended warranties and service plans are available as an option for all zeroG® systems.

How do I adjust zeroG®?

The zeroG® system can be adjusted using labeled knobs located on each arm link. There is an adjustment for ‘Lift’ which modifies tension in each spring to provide the desired amount of lift assistance. There is also an adjustment for ‘Ride’ which fine tunes the performance of the arm for particularly heavy or light loads.

If zeroG® moves so easily, how do I make sure it doesn’t drift when not being used?

One of the unique features for the zeroG® is ‘centering’ technology that provides lateral control of movement in the horizontal plane when desired.  Centering is accomplished through two mechanisms:  First, the use of a leveling mechanism in the 2-axis mounting block allows users to ‘balance’ the arm after it has been set-up at a location so that it is level with the ground.  Second, gas springs located between the links of the arm give the system a slight ‘bias’ towards the intended area of use and limit the angle of rotation at the hinge.  As an additional level of safety and control, zeroG® systems can be fitted with optional ‘docking’ components that allow the arm to be locked into a fixed position while not in use.

Can I mount zeroG® to a man lift?

Due to its light weight and versatile mounting block, the zeroG® can easily be mounted to man lifts, scissors lifts, overhead rails, 80/20 type rails and a number of other easily portable mounting locations.   Care must be taken to ensure that the lift provides the necessary stability to hold the zeroG® system when fully extended at maximum payload.

How do I manage the cabling required to run the tool at the end of the zeroG® arm?

Typical tool utility requirements often include compressed air, hydraulic hoses, electrical cables, as well as dust collection hoses. All can be mounted along the bottom of the arm using ties or clips, or contained within the optional protective covers.

What is involved with zeroG® installation?

Due to the portability and configurability of the zeroG® arm, it is very simple to install and operate. A typical installation (excluding ancillary equipment) should take less than an hour.

Does zeroG® require training to operate?

Usage of the technology is designed to be intuitive. Since the design is meant to mimic movement of the human arm, minimal training is usually required other than limited safety and operations instruction.  Custom training and support is available in person or through online tutorials and sessions.

Can I use zeroG® to lift items other than tools (i.e. material handling)?

The zeroG® product line is currently designed to support only static loads.   While tools and parts can be easily loaded and unloaded while the arm is docked, the zeroG®4 arm cannot engage and release a payload while undocked.  Future zeroG® products are expected to provide dynamic lift for “pick and place” operations. 

Can I use zeroG® as a torque arm?

The current zeroG®4 does not provide independent torque reaction.  It will work for torque tool applications where a torque reaction bar or other mechanism is in place to accept torque or where torque can safely be absorbed by the operator.   In addition, because the zeroG® system allows workers to maneuver heavier payloads, the system may allow use of a torque reaction bar that may currently be prohibitive due to weight.  Future developments of the zeroG® system are expected to offer intrinsic torque resistance. 

Can I use zeroG® with a chipping hammer?

Chipping hammers are part of a family of tools called ‘percussive tools’ - tools where there is high kinetic energy and very high levels of vibration. The zeroG® cannot currently accommodate this requirement, but we would love to hear from you if you have applications that require this functionality.

Can I use zeroG® with a paint gun or welder?

zeroG® can be used with paint guns and welding torches, however, most of these tools are less than 10 lbs. in total weight so they require the use of a zeroG®2 arm which will be available in the Spring of 2009. Proper covers and other protective measures (i.e. grounding) will be employed with these types of tools to ensure the reliability and safe usage of the arm.

Can I test a zeroG® for a trial period?

zeroG® technology has been deployed in a wide variety of applications with a great success. We encourage you to explore some of the applications already performed using zeroG® technology.  In the event you still have concerns, Equipois prides itself on proving out the capabilities of the zeroG® in different applications. This is a technology where the maxim ‘seeing is believing’ truly can apply. There are a number of options we offer to support demonstrations and trials: 

  1. In many cases, we can demonstrate an arm in your facility using your tools. We are more than happy to come in and support this assuming we can pre-qualify that there is a need for zeroG® in your facility. We also carry a number of our own tools to quickly show the capability of the technology in virtually any location.
  2. Equipois offers a ‘Try Before You Buy’ Rental program that allows you to deploy zeroG® in your facility for a low monthly rental cost which is mostly credited towards an eventual purchase. If you are not satisfied with the zeroG® at the end of the trial, you simply return it with no further obligation.
  3. Other trial considerations can be reviewed on a case by case basis. We are very confident that once our customers try this technology they will fall in love with it and want to install it over and over again.

What information do you need to give me a quote?

In order to determine the optimal zeroG® configuration, we collect some basic information regarding your application.  We welcome you to provide us this information directly through our application questionnaire now available on-line.